Utah-NM: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Who was good, who was bad, and who was ugly against New Mexico?

The Good

Terrance Cain
All he did in relief of Jordan Wynn was set the school single-game completion percentage record. He’s become the ultimate game manager. He doesn’t do more than he is asked, makes the smart play, and doesn’t turn the ball over. One of the top 5 backups in the country.

Jereme Brooks
Brooks is on his way to an All Conference year and could be a possible All American. 6 catches for 99 yards and touchdown in limited action. He’s almost unstoppable over the middle.

The Defense
New Mexico is bad, but the Utah defense made them look even worse than they are. The Lobos couldn’t run, couldn’t pass, and couldn’t breathe until the Utes put in the second and third stringers. This team is developing great depth, especially on the defensive line where they might have the most depth in the country.

Special Teams
Another punt return for Shaky Smithson. He’s going to end up taking back 4 or 5 kicks this year for touchdowns and possibly be an All American. He’s that good. Sean Sellwood is really turning into a weapon as a punter with his booming kicks and ability to pin people deep. He’ll be a Ray Guy finalist before he graduates.

Matt Martinez
All over the field with 7 tackles and disrupting plays all day. His interception return for a touchdown came from him being exactly where he was supposed to be. The coaches can’t send him to the bench when J.J. Williams comes back now, can they?

The Bad

Downfield Blocking
The lineman are creating holes and the running backs are usually getting there, but the downfield blocking by the receivers is almost non-exsistant. The lineman need to get past that first line and get downfield as well to spring Asiata and Wide for longer runs.

Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide
The running game from the two feature backs was putrid going for 57 yards on 17 carries against an awful defense. Three to five yards is always there, but they need to start breaking longer runs. Wide hit the hole very tentatively against New Mexico.

Penalties
The Utes are leading the conference in penalty yardage per game with 79 per. The personal foul penalties are piling up and that needs to be corrected ASAP. Play with fire and intensity, but also play smart.

The Ugly

Fumbles
Why is this team still fumbling? I’m sure it will be focused on in practice this week, but the Utes have already lost 6 fumbles this year, mostly by the running backs. Hold on to the ball or you won’t beat Air Force, Notre Dame, or TCU.

New Mexico
How is Mike Locksley still employed again? I’ll be surprised, but not shocked if he comes backs for another year next year. Usually coaches are given at least three years. He needs at least one win this year and five wins next year to save his job. Very good coordinator, but a poor coach.